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The Dallas Cowboys made a move that adds both depth and intrigue to their roster just three days before a high-stakes matchup with the Green Bay Packers. On Thursday, the team signed former Packers cornerback Corey Ballentine to the practice squad, according to reports from ESPN’s Todd Archer.
The timing of the signing is hard to ignore. With Dallas set to host Green Bay on Sunday Night Football in Week 4, Ballentine’s addition not only provides insurance in a banged-up secondary but also brings a bit of insider knowledge on the Cowboys’ next opponent.
Ballentine, a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, spent three seasons with the Packers from 2022 to 2024. During that span, he appeared in 37 games, starting seven, and carved out a role as a reliable depth piece and core special teamer. Green Bay brought him back for training camp this summer before releasing him at final cuts. He briefly joined the New England Patriots, appearing in one game on special teams, before being let go earlier this week.
Dallas then moved quickly to scoop him up, swapping him in for Zion Childress on the practice squad. And with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland both nursing injuries, there’s a real chance Ballentine could be elevated to the active roster in time for Sunday’s game.
While Ballentine’s impact on the field remains to be seen, his familiarity with the Packers’ defensive and special teams systems could offer the Cowboys some short-term preparation advantages. Even if he doesn’t play, his presence at practice this week could help sharpen the Cowboys’ game plan against a Green Bay squad they’re chasing in the NFC playoff race.
For a Cowboys team already dealing with injuries and inconsistency through the first three weeks of the season, the move is less about star power and more about plugging gaps and finding edges wherever possible. Whether Ballentine becomes a factor against his former team or not, the signing shows just how critical Sunday night’s matchup is for Dallas.
Corey Ballentine’s Career So Far: NFL Stops Before Dallas
Corey Ballentine’s road to Dallas has been anything but straightforward. Born in Jamaica and raised in Kansas, Ballentine first made his mark at Division II Washburn University, where he excelled as both a cornerback and kick returner. His standout play earned him the Cliff Harris Award as the nation’s top small-college defensive player in 2018, as well as an invitation to the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. Those performances helped land him in the NFL, where the New York Giants selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 draft.
Since then, Ballentine has carved out a journeyman career across multiple teams. After his stint with the Giants, he spent time with the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals, often contributing on special teams. His most notable stretch came with the Green Bay Packers, where he played from 2022 to 2024, appearing in 37 games and starting seven.
Following brief stays with the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots earlier this year, Ballentine has now found his way to Dallas. While his role with the Cowboys remains to be seen, his experience, versatility, and special teams value give him a chance to carve out yet another chapter in a winding NFL career.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did the Cowboys sign Corey Ballentine before facing the Packers?
The Cowboys signed Corey Ballentine for two main reasons: roster depth and preparation. Injuries to Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland have left the Dallas secondary thin, making it necessary to bring in an experienced defensive back who can step in if needed. At the same time, Ballentine spent three seasons with the Packers. That familiarity could give Dallas a subtle edge in preparation for Sunday Night Football.
Will Corey Ballentine play against the Packers in Week 4?
It’s uncertain. Ballentine was signed to the practice squad, but with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland dealing with injuries, there’s a chance he could be elevated to the active roster for Sunday’s matchup.
What role did Corey Ballentine play during his time with the Packers?
Ballentine primarily served as a depth cornerback and special teams contributor. He appeared in 37 games from 2022 to 2024, starting seven.
Which teams has Corey Ballentine played for in his NFL career?
Since being drafted by the New York Giants in 2019, Ballentine has played for the Jets, Lions, Falcons, Cardinals, Packers, Colts, Patriots, and now the Cowboys.
